Great question! Herbalism is the practice of using plants, typically in the form of herbs, for medicinal, therapeutic, or wellness purposes.

Herbalism is one of the oldest healing practices in human history, with roots in various traditional systems of medicine from around the world, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, Native American medicine, and traditional European herbalism.

Herbalism is art. It is medicine. It is science. It is a deep connection to nature. It is energetic healing.

Herbalists, or practitioners of herbalism, use various parts of plants such as leaves, stems, roots, seeds, and flowers to create remedies and treatments that aim to promote health and well-being, alleviate symptoms, and support the body's natural healing processes. These remedies can be prepared in various forms, including teas, tinctures, salves, capsules, and poultices.

The use of herbs in herbalism is often based on a combination of traditional knowledge, empirical observations, and, in some cases, scientific research. Many herbs contain bioactive compounds that can have medicinal properties, and herbalists seek to harness these properties to address various health concerns.

This comes in many forms: from teas, to tinctures, glycerites, flower essences, smoke blends, herbal powders, elixirs, oxymels and more! Food is medicine and plants are medicine.

What does an herbalist do?

An herbalist is a holistic health practitioner who is specifically trained in plant medicine. Herbalists specialize in the use of medicinal plants and herbs to promote healing and wellness. As a Clinical Herbalist, I have trained over 800 hours with wonderful herbalists, dear mentors, from around the world. I bring in-depth knowledge of the properties and benefits of herbs and plants, including plant chemistry, herbal energetics, anatomy, physiology, and learning why plants truly do work with our bodies. And beyond that, how plants allow us to find joyful soul-expression! To deeply tune into our bodies and find heart coherence. 

You are the expert of your own body! I fundamentally believe that. A lot of people come to Herbalists at a point where they've tried many other options. Where they feel vulnerable. I understand this because I've been in this very same place.

I work with people to address their primary health goals and achieve success in improving their natural health!

Herbalists are  trained in a number of holistic health assessments, that include gathering information on medical history, family's health history, lifestyle factors, nutrition and diet, fitness, stress, physical ailments and more.

In addition, I am trained in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices to run pulse assessments, face assessments and tongue assessments. 

I'll say it again, you are the expert of your own body! And I'm here to support your in your wellness journey. My true passion is to empower you to reconnect with your body and the Earth through the abundant, healing powers of herbs. 

How is an herbalist different from a standard holistic health coach?

Herbalists and holistic health coaches have many skills in common. We both are trained to work with people to support with their health goals, focusing on behavior change, motivation, and holistic well-being.

The key difference between an herbalist and a holistic health coach is that herbalists are specifically trained in plant medicine and healing natural remedies, and have a much greater knowledge of this and a foundational practice than a standard holistic health coach. In my practice, this includes extensive foundational knowledge of Western Folk herbalism, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Wise Women folk traditions. 

The benefits of working with plants and natural remedies is they help our bodies build strength and resiliency over time, increasing our optimal wellness and sense of ease.

Plant medicine is amazingly delightful! With an herbalist, you can enjoy herbal tea, tinctures, glycerites, herbal vinegars, herbal oxymels, electuaries and food as medicine. This is a joyful experience for healing. 

What is the difference between an herbalist and a naturopath?

An herbalist is a holistic health practitioner who specializes in the use of medicinal plants and herbs to promote healing and wellness. We have in-depth knowledge of the properties and benefits of various herbs and plant, combining natural healing methods with modern medical science. We use a wide range of natural therapies, including nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes to work with clients.

While herbalists are licensed practitioners in many countries, unfortunately they are not currently licensed in the United States. This is something that many herbalists in the community are advocating for, to become licensed.

Herbalists can work in tandem with licensed medical practitioners, such as doctors, nurses, naturopaths, and more. 

A naturopathic doctor, or naturopath, is a licensed healthcare professional who also combines natural healing methods with modern medical science. As a licensed practitioner, they undergo formal education at accredited naturopathic medical schools. They are able to order lab work tests and can treat and diagnose patients. 

Working with an herbalist and with a naturopath both have benefits. 

Choosing the right herbal practitioner

Choosing the right herbal practitioner is similar to choosing the right therapist, or the right fitness coach. It can take time. It's about finding someone who you think shares your values and works well with you.

My life's passion to support folks of all ages with improving the mind-gut connection! Growing up with Crohn's Disease, I was constantly sick, fatigued and tired all the time. Herbalism shined this really beautiful light for me.

Through my own personal work and extensive training as a Clinical Herbalist, I'm incredibly happy to be able to share  support and loving care with others! My herbal practice is rooted in Western Folk herbalism with a blend of Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Wise Women folk traditions.

My practice is based in a trauma-informed framework. I believe it is essential to incorporate this and offer the right tools to my clients. It's the kind of care that we all deserve!

I focus on 

- Digestive issues (IBS, IBD, GERD, Leaky Gut, Crohn's, Colitis, Ileitis)

- Energy health

- Sleep health

- Mood health

- Auto-immune conditions

- Women's health

*Note, this information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease

This will be different for each person. We specialize in supporting the mind-gut connection. Some of our blends focus on cooling digestion, such as the Rest and Digest Tummy Tea, whereas others focus on sleep such as Best Sleep Ever.

While we intentionally select herbs that are generally safe for the greater population, yet please be advised that it is always good to chat with your health care practitioner if you have any concerns. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also be cautious while consuming herbs.

First, you'll want to get a tea strainer or tea infuser. Then boil hot water and put 2-3tsp of the herbs into the strainer. Sit the strainer in a beautiful mug that's fun to look at, pour over the hot water, and let it steep for 7-10 minutes. Cover this with a lid, a plate or any item that keeps the steam in so the essential oils don't evaporate.

Then rub your belly for good luck and enjoy!

We'd love to hear from you! Please reach out to us at info@nurtureforall.com or through the contact form.

We agree, plants ARE cool. You can learn more about herbs and get fun recipes here on our blog. Or check out events page for workshops and gatherings.

It's good to be curious. You can check that all out here.

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